Character Driven Media offers workshops, support, resources and services to the performing and visual arts community; a bridge between the arts and the global community. We provide online workshops in all aspects of filmmaking and stagecraft. more
We provide free promotional and production services to musicians, performers, producers and those staging events, including on line and point of sale ticketing, event and production information, as well as a variety of unique promotional services. more
As both artists and technicians working in the performing and visual arts field for decades and as those who have been creating web based services and solutions since 1994, we share our vision and experience with a global community of creators. more
Filmmaking and theatre are our passion and our goal is to pass on the love of creating to a new generation of artists, performers, filmmakers, designers and crafts people involved more
Our toll free service helps you promote your show and sell tickets to your event or production. Find out more by calling us or Skype: characterdriven. more
Have you ever put on a production or event? Then you'll know just how hard it is to get tickets into the hands of your audience, to say nothing of administration! Check out our Free Services. more
Have you ever had a dream of directing, acting, designing, operating a camera or doing lighting, sound or makeup for a movie? Here is your chance to work with a production team from anywhere, creating an entire movie from initial concept to screening! more
You just got a new iPod or other music player over the holidays, and your older iPod looks like Craigslist fodder. Here are at least 10 reasons to re-consider its worthiness.
In general, we're asking anyone thinking about ditching their older iPod to consider what it truly is—a super-slim, substantial storage device, from which you can do, well, just about anything you'd do with a USB or external drive, with a convenient tiny screen and headphone jack attached. So we've compiled ten of our best tools for making the most of an older iPod below. Read on, plug in your tried-and-true iPod, and get creative.
Whether you're prepping for a presentation or cramming for a test, your iPod can be a much more convenient way to carry your memory-boosting flash cards around than trying to cram a whole deck of 3x5s in your pocket. Mac OSX Hints has a through guide to transforming Keynote slides into iPod-ready picture slides, but any slide presentation maker that can export slides to picture files can create a folder that you simply sync up to your iPod. Your mileage will vary with your screen size and clarity, but for straight-up words, it's a handy hack. Steve Rubel's Micro Persuasion blog details a similar spin on using your iPod as a presentation tool.
9. Instant stereo, just add speakers
No matter how old your iPod, it's still a pretty efficient music holder and player. If you're hesitant to shell out big cash for a full-fledged stereo system, your trusty iPod is a great hub for your music. CNET details why you should give your iPod speakers, noting the benefits of simultaneously ditching your actual-plastic CDs—or at least putting them deep into storage—and simplifying your music life through the power of "Shuffle." It's not a solution for audiophiles, but it is the start of a no-hassle, instant-on system for any room in the house.
8. Your portable drinks/recipe/Wikipedia reference
Next time your dinner party or casual chat session turns into a debate about what happened to the star of A Christmas Story or how to properly make a sidecar, pull out your spare iPod and put the details to rest. The fully-fledged Encyclopodia project can put the majority of Wikipedia's useful articles on your iPod without messing up its main functions. iPod Bartender puts just what you think it might into your player, and those who don't like printing or lugging a laptop into their kitchen just for recipe reference should take a look at PodGourmet.
7. Make it your backup drive
Simple, but supremely useful, enabling and using an iPod's "Disk Mode"—basically opening up for use as a USB drive—pays off in a number of ways. After speeding up your iPod drive with disk defragging, you can boot your Mac from it, use it with most any Windows backup program that lets you choose a save location, automatically back up your Mac home folder with iPodBackup, and generally stash away anything you want on one of the most space-optimized drives around.
6. Free it from iTunes' grasp
If you live in a world of Windows systems and you're sick of being tied down to iTunes and its memory-hogging tendencies, you don't have to live with it. Back in 2006, Adam showed us how to make a self-sustaining iPod using the free vPod software. vPod's author notes that the tool for directly adding your music doesn't work with the newer firmwares available for most iPods since iTunes upgraded beyond 7.3, but for an older unit that's been gathering dust, that's probably not an issue. For a newer spin on no-iTunes-required, take a look at Adam's newer iPod independence guide, or check out SharePod, Songbird, MediaMonkey a try. And then there's Floola, in a class by itself because it can run directly from your iPod and transfer songs on and off it.
5. Make a stand-alone, bootable XP computer from it
Sure, you can carry around the portable versions of your favorite Windows apps on your iPod's drive, but you can ensure absolutely nothing gets changed on your friends' and relatives' PCs by booting your own Windows system from your iPod. Gina detailed the process using an XP installation CD and the MojoPac software. The no-restrictions version isn't free ($29.99 for a license), but there's a free version that gives you a virtual XP desktop—and that might be just what you need.
4. Load it up with games
Apple's iTunes store offers up games for both older video iPods and the newer iPod touch models, but if you're just looking for a little airport time-killing, why pay for your games, or feel forced into an upgrade? Install iPod Linux on nearly any iPod, and you'll be able to play games on your iPod for free. The previously screenshot-touredRockbox also brings games onto your older music box, but the open-source Linux installation is a bit easier, and the games seem a bit more appealing.
3. Give it a new look with iPodWizard
If you've got any iPod other than a second or third generation nano, the iPod classic, or the iPod touch, you can give it a new look and feel while keeping its basic controls in place. The free application iPodWizard does it with style, as we've shown you in our walkthrough and screenshot tour. Your friend/frenemy may have the hotter new gear, but only your iPod isn't sport the same old OS-X-lite look.
2. Turn it into an ultimate go-anywhere tool
Shelling out cash for larger jump drives when you've already got an iPod with a minimum of 4GB available isn't necessary. Gina put together a list of apps, files, and tools for putting your life on a portable drive, and these days, the average iPod can hold all that, your music, and probably a sizable batch of video files and photos with it. If, for example, you're never quite sure if you'll have access to a working copy of Microsoft Office when you need it, a full copy of OpenOffice.org 3.0 is available in a no-install, portable version that fits snugly into your little take-everywhere drive, as are plenty of other PortableApps.
1. Make a serious upgrade with RockBox
Until you've taken the plunge and put Rockbox's new, improved firmware on your older iPod, you haven't seen the significant rebirth a seemingly dated device can undergo. Apple gave you a device that can play music, and maybe display photos or videos as well, but RockBox gives you games ranging from Sudoku to Doom, a calculator, a timer, much greater control over your files from your device, support for a wider range of music files, and much more. Check out our screenshot tour of RockBox 3.0, then go and grab the RockboxUtility for Windows, Mac, or Linux systems.
Article by Kevin Purdy
What do you plan to do with your older iPod, or what have you done in the past when you got an upgrade? Tell us your reuse and renovation stories in the comments.
Have you ever wanted to make a film with a real production team? Have you ever wanted a 'hands on' experience, whether an actor, director, editor or designer, whether wanting to know more about becoming a makeup artist, lighting designer or sound engineer?
If you look at the credits on the average movie you'll see just how many roles there are to play as part of a media production, whether it be a drama, comedy, documentary or animated project.
Our approach to filmmaking has taken young artists and techies from original concept to screening over ten sessions since 2003 through our "Behind The Lens" filmmaking workshops, and we have been helping folks develop their talents and passions in the arts for over two decades.
As those who teach all aspects of stagecraft and filmmaking from grade school to university level, and having worked on projects that range from classroom and homeschool-based productions to rock shows such as Cher and Bob Dylan we have a wide variety of experience which we share with participants in unique experience-based workshops that focus on the individual gifts and talents of each member of the production team. As those who have been given recognition by our peers as lighting designers, directors, makeup artist and many other areas of the craft, our passion is to pass along the love of media to the next generation in new and innovative ways.
Media has the unique ability to teach both artistic skills and life skills to those who work together toward a common goal with each team member using their own special abilities. The accessibility and immediacy of media in today's world has opened the way to collaborating on a global basis rather than being confined to the paradigms of old- particularly the concept that a production team needs to be located in the same geographical area.
We have created cutting edge programs and workshops using the most practical tools available, particularly those that are freely distributed under the terms of Open Source agreements which allow anyone to safely download and install programs that were once considered to be inaccessible for the average person. Now, with a computer equipped with a webcam and a few basic skills anyone can participate in our web based workshops by registering for a session or seminars which cover all aspects of the production process.
If you'd like to know more about upcoming sessions, please go to our 'Events' link and choose 'Workshops' from the 'Calendar' dropdown list. There you will see a list of upcoming workshops and registration information.
Be sure to visit the 'Backstage' link to have a look at one of our promotional TV segments for our popular Special Effects Makeup Workshop click here.
Have you ever wanted to know how you can make a difference in the world? This is your opportunity to give us a pitch by sending a video that totals 59 seconds in length- just like a commercial.
We will be showing all of your productions on Character Driven Media, and some of the movies will even be featured as part of our Live Broadcast.
The first step is to register on the site. After that, click the 'videos' tab and upload your movie. Then, using the contact form, send us your entry information with the subject line "59 Seconds", telling us you've uploaded your entry. You can enter as an individual, group, homeschool, classroom, organization, church...or even the whole school can participate if that works. The only rule is that everyone in the group is under 18 years of age (no lower age limit) and adults are only to be used as 'resource people'.
We'll be providing some guidance on the site in the days and weeks to come if you need any help with storyboarding or producing your piece. We will also be holding workshops and broadcasting them online to help you with your project.
The deadline for entries is January 31, 2009 so get cracking!
This is one of the most exciting days in my life as a journalist, filmmaker and educator. It's the launch of our live broadcast which, as you'll notice, still has some bugs, but you'll agree that being able to air live and taped shows is a real boon to our viewers, members and those who are wanting to promote their productions and events.You may notice that you can't always connect with the channel and that can be for a number of reasons. Just like most channels, we need to do maintenance from time to time, or to organize more content. After all, it is live, so anything can happen. This means that whatever you're watching on our channel is available to anyone else around the world in real time- at the same time you're watching. And that's pretty exciting news for me, whose first television show aired when I was sixteen, and finally the technology has made it possible for me to get back to work as a segment producer.
With our primary focus being event and production promotion and support services, this also means that you could be highlighted on one of our broadcasts. We will also be able to offer our workshops around the world, rather than being limited to our own local attendees. Best of all, we can broadcast your event or production live (imagine grandma and grandpa being able to see your wedding or fans being able to watch your gig from anywhere in the world!!) and we can also air your promo spot or audition material. In fact, we can help you produce the piece from storyboard to air. As a member of Character Driven Media you have a LOT of options so sign in now to take advantage of everything from promotion to online ticket sales and box office services.
Be sure to contact us if you have ANY questions at all. Our live support is on line most of the time, but you can always contact us using the SUPPORT button or call us toll free: 866-705-5437.
You get what you pay for. That's what we've all been told from the time we were knee high to a grasshopper. Well, the Open Source community is out to prove that we don't always get what we deserve when it comes to great programs and applications. We get more than we could ever ask for or create as a Lone Ranger.
There are always those sceptics and naysayers that, like my own father, believe that the more you pay, the better the product and it's hard to shake an ethic that has existed from the time wheels were taken for their first road test. But mark my words: humanity is not dead. It is alive and well with the members of a rare group that works together to create a better cyberworld.
Character Driven Media provides the tools and resources that you need to stage and promote your event, to sell tickets, to stay in touch and to keep great records with free services such as a 24/7 on line ticketing option, live support and a toll free number that tracks your publicity- whether it be print, media or web-based- with as many local or global points of sale locations as you require. You can also integrate our unique box office administration and e-ticketing system with your own website or box office if that works for you...all as part of our free service for registered users.
Layla Zoe recently played at the Nanaimo Blues Festival and was featured on The House of Blues. Check out the show by playing the clip above. Her new album "Live at Errington Hall" has just been released and can be found on her MySpace page
Our instant delivery ticketing system costs event holders absolutely nothing. We also offer our users a place to blog, to podcast and to advertise their event on a site that specializes in getting the information into the hands of your audience or event goer, as well as to those who might not otherwise have known about what you were up to. We provide a 24/7 toll free information line and box office service, as well as a live support service.
Scientists fear Amchitka Island radiation leak DANGER: Tectonic forces may be opening new faults at Cannikin atomic testing site. By David Perlman San Francisco Chronicle (Published: December 23, 2001)
A 30-year-old legacy from the Cold War has surfaced on an island in the Aleutian Chain, where scientists and Natives are concerned that radiation from the largest underground nuclear weapons blast ever conducted in America could be leaking into the marine environment.
At precisely 11 a.m. Nov. 6, 1971, weapons specialists from the Atomic Energy Commission exploded a 5-megaton bomb -- a prototype for a ballistic missile warhead -- inside a mile-deep shaft drilled beneath Amchitka Island.
This is a place for you to let other folks know about productions, gigs, projects and events you're involved in and to discuss them with your fans and friends. This is a great way to stay in touch with your audience and to provide up to the minute information whether you are staging a school production or embarking on a cross country book or band tour...a way to keep your audience and event goers up to date and to promote yourself, to automatically sell tickets and stay in touch with your audiences along the way without having to lift a finger.
You just got a new iPod or other music player over the holidays, and your older iPod looks like Craigslist fodder. Here are at least 10 reasons to re-consider its worthiness.
No matter how old your iPod, it's still a pretty efficient music holder and player. If you're hesitant to shell out big cash for a full-fledged stereo system, your trusty iPod is a great hub for your music. CNET details 
Next time your dinner party or casual chat session turns into a debate about what happened to the star of A Christmas Story or how to properly make a sidecar, pull out your spare iPod and put the details to rest. The fully-fledged 
Simple, but supremely useful, enabling and using an iPod's "Disk Mode"—basically opening up for use as a USB drive—pays off in a number of ways. After 
If you live in a world of Windows systems and you're sick of being tied down to iTunes and its memory-hogging tendencies, you don't have to live with it. Back in 2006, Adam showed us how to 
Sure, you can carry around the portable versions of your favorite Windows apps on your iPod's drive, but you can ensure absolutely nothing gets changed on your friends' and relatives' PCs by booting your own Windows system from your iPod. Gina 
Apple's iTunes store offers up games for both older video iPods and the newer iPod touch models, but if you're just looking for a little airport time-killing, why pay for your games, or feel forced into an upgrade? Install 
If you've got any iPod other than a second or third generation nano, the iPod classic, or the iPod touch, you can give it a new look and feel while keeping its basic controls in place. The free application 
Until you've taken the plunge and put Rockbox's new, improved firmware on your older iPod, you haven't seen the significant rebirth a seemingly dated device can undergo. Apple gave you a device that can play music, and maybe display photos or videos as well, but RockBox gives you games ranging from Sudoku to Doom, a calculator, a timer, much greater control over your files from your device, support for a wider range of music files, and 
